hile contemporary RVers are fueling the drive by RV manufacturers and suppliers to equip new models with ever-more “residential-style” products and appliances, there is one big difference between an RV and a more traditional “brick-and-mortar” home: the social meeting places have changed.
At home, the kitchen oftentimes becomes the de facto gathering place as friends and family congregate to talk while meals are being prepared. While camping, the galley assumes a more utilitarian focus, used for meal prep while most of us tend to congregate outdoors.
That said, RVers nonetheless want the same quality and functionality they enjoy with their kitchen appliances when they go on the road.
According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, the future of kitchen design is “hands-free and smartphone-activated” — in other words, kitchen appliances are going digital.
“Eating may still be analog, but kitchens have taken up residence in the digital age, as designers and appliance makers increasingly rely on a host of technological innovations to update the traditional tasks of cooking, storing and cleaning up,” reported WSJ. “Cameras, sensors, artificial intelligence and newfangled materials are now turning those appliances into ultra-sophisticated hardware, while smart functions and connectivity are recasting the cloud as the latest kitchen accessory.”
While RV kitchens aren’t entirely to that point just yet, suppliers told RV Enthusiast they are developing products for that inevitability.
“Obviously what you see in your home is infiltrating into the RV market,” explained Eric Klein, director of product management for Thetford/Norcold. “Things that you can control with an app, your phone, whatever you want. The comforts of home are coming onto the road.
“There are the unique challenges that are associated with some of that tech,” he continued. “I know that the RV Industry Association (RVIA) just came out with a new standard where a central control hub, usually at the front of the coach, allows control of all appliances. So, you can actually have a smart hub that turns on your refrigerator, changes your controls or your inputs, and checks to see if there’s problems.”
“And we are following suit,” he said. “We are working on solutions for our refrigerators that allow you to control at the refrigerator, but also connect to the control panel that’s centralized to the coach.”
John Goldston, product manager for Airxcel’s Suburban brand, said there was “definitely an increase in smart technology” for RV kitchen appliances.
“We’ve been looking at all that,” he said. “But there are constraints. You’ve got a limited amount of space and a limited amount of power available. So you really have to manage it properly. But, certainly, ‘smart’ cooking technology is coming into play — and we’re seeing a lot more of it on our heating and climate control side as well. “We’re seeing a future trend toward outdoor living and outdoor cooking with EVs (Electric Vehicles) and with all-electric RVs,” Goldston continued. “There’s been a few EV prototypes and new models introduced over the past year at some of these shows, especially in Europe. So, with that kind of transition, we’re seeing people with a desire to be greener and less reliant on fossil fuels. So, we’re reacting to customers that likely want their cooking appliances to follow suit”
For his part, Brent Clark, senior OEM business development manager for Dometic, said his company doesn’t see the connectivity trend “coming on as fast for RV.”
“But what we have seen are some key trends,” he said. “For instance, the knobs have gotten bigger on ranges, which is a typical trend in the residential side. We’re seeing LED lights to the point where when you turn an appliance on, lights turn from blue to red, stating that it’s On or Off by burner.”
Clark added that microwaves are all tending toward a convection function as well, and the demand for residential sizing is also there. “We are seeing some standalone product in the ranges in the larger fifth-wheels that’s a true range, not the actual size of a residential, but still the features and benefits of a residential standalone,” he said. Lippert Senior Vice President of Furrion North America Andrew Mock said one RVing trend — going off-grid — is one that his company is positioned to take advantage of.
“We like the trend for a push toward smaller units with boondocking in mind,” said Mock. “Kitchen appliances are no different, as the industry has seen a significant swing in refrigeration to the 12-volt platform from the traditional gas absorption. Manufacturers are more space-conscious than ever before in these smaller units. The push toward lighter weights and more creative usages of space seem to be right around the corner if not already emerging.”
Bottom line when it comes to product: RV and residential kitchen appliances have merged in both quality and convenience.
“Really, at the end of the day, what people are gravitating toward is they expect to take their lifestyle at home on the road,” concluded Dometic President Oliver Bahr. “And they are expecting the same kind of design elements, functionality and technology, in their RVs as well. Whether they’re spending time outside cooking, or on the road, wherever it may be.”
Supply Chain Constraints
Of course, RV suppliers and manufacturers will still need to deal with the “elephant” in the kitchen: Supply chain challenges will continue for 2022. Much of the componentry found in an RV is sourced overseas and the past year has seen industry companies dealing with supply chain issues caused by COVID and exacerbated by shortages of everything from shipping containers to truck drivers.
“We are making do as well as we can,” said Suburban’s Goldston. “That’s not to say that we haven’t been met with our fair share of problems and issues, but it’s mostly assemblies we need, and some raw materials pose some challenges. From looking at alternative suppliers to trying to access more onshore parts from North American suppliers to cut down the shipping delays with the container backlogs — and then just changing our own processes here — we’re experiencing challenges, but we’re making do the best we can.”
Suburban is able to supplement its main production facilities in the U.S., he added, with its overseas operations.
“Our Dayton, Tenn., manufacturing facility is where Suburban is based and that’s where I’d say 90%-95% of our cooking appliances are produced,” said Goldston. “But we do have some that are produced overseas with another subsidiary based out of Italy. So, some basic items are produced in Italy as well. Those components we get and assemble here on site. So, it’s a combination that get the job done.”
Likewise, GE Appliances is also relying on its massive supply chain footprint to help solve the problem, officials said.
“Supply chain issues are a major challenge for the industry, especially as the demand for new RVs continues to break records,” said Jennifer Solomon, senior marketing manager for recreational living for GE Appliances. “Our parent company, Haier, is the largest appliance manufacturer in the world, and so we’re able to leverage that network to ensure we can meet demand.”
Thetford/Norcold’s Klein also addressed the pervasive supply chain challenge, noting that basically everyone is in the boat.
“Everybody has shortage or labor issues where something isn’t coming in and you’re having to scramble,” he said. “In the appliance industry, the biggest thing obviously is material shortages. With the labor force the way it is, a lot of companies are struggling to keep up with the demand on common components that are needed to build just about anything. You even see that in the service industry; it’s simply a shortage of labor.
Furrion’s Mock echoed much of the same sentiments, noting that these challenges “aren’t that much of a secret.”
“We continue to face rising costs from raw materials to freight. We face global shutdowns in factories that help to produce the products,” Mock said. “None of this is unique to us or anyone else in the industry, however, we have an incredible team that doesn’t just exist in Elkhart County. We have people around the globe working every day to make sure we are connecting with our partners and staying ahead as much as possible on any developments. We are looking everywhere for alternative solutions to these unprecedented issues and, for the most part, I can say I think we’ve done pretty well.”
Summing it up from his company’s perspective, Dometic’s Bahr said everyone is having supply chain challenges.”
“Freight costs have gone up. Raw material prices have gone up. Lead times are extraordinarily long,” he said. “It’s forced us to change our approach in terms of how we plan. It’s forced us to spend a lot of time with our supply base on the component level to make sure that we have everything that we need to build the products that we build. It’s forced us to really adapt and change. We’ve all learned a lot along the way.
“We foresee that supply chain challenges will continue to be a problem for our industry, and beyond that, here going through 2022, for sure,” Bahr continued. “Especially on the electronic side where we’re seeing these chip shortages. We’re still seeing massive issues on the automotive side as we can read in the papers and publications. And that has a pretty profound effect on what I would say are smaller industries or smaller businesses like ours.”
All that said, suppliers are burning the midnight oil to develop RV gallies with the aesthetics and functionality of residential homes. WAY Interglobal CEO Wayne Kaylor confirmed this trend, saying there is a demand for “larger refrigerators and a transition from LP or 110 styles to 12-volt units of all sizes. It’s due to style and efficiency. RV consumers are looking for more extensive cooking options and more residential features.”
Let’s take a look at recent innovations and products released by some of these companies.
Goldston shared that Airxcel makes cooking appliances including simmer-on-top ranges, drop-in and slide-in cooktops, “the top burner box portion of a range. And we offer two sizes of our griddles in an 18-or 23-inch. We also have two induction cooktops in a single and dual-burner models,” he said.
“We’re seeing a desire to really start cooking outside the RV more,” Goldston elaborated. “Our research is showing people go out RVing to get outside — so the more time they can spend outside cooking, the better their experience. They don’t want to spend time stuck inside cooking while everyone else is outside.” He added that Airxcel’s market also includes the fully equipped tailgating crowd, “where the whole group’s outside before the game and not stuck in the kitchen.”
For 2022, the company introduced a new line of Suburban outdoor kitchens. “These are an integrated, modular, all-in-one solution to OEM customers,” shared Goldston. “They’re very compact. They use a minimal amount of volume in an RV sidewall compartment. And they slide out from an exterior hatch to provide a griddle cooktop, a prep area, and an optional sink.”
There are 12 models to choose from with a choice of an 18- or 23-inch griddle. Whether the slideout arrangement is portrait or landscape, or the slideout is left or right of the secondary sink, all these add up to a dozen available modules. The modules are fully assembled, ready to install to reduce labor costs in the manufacturing process.
Airxcel also has the first dual-fuel range in the RV industry under development for later this year. “It’s an electric oven, but still offers a gas-powered cooktop,” said Goldston. “The dual fuel recognizes the trend toward electrification while also freeing campers from the constraints of a limited propane supply.”
The new dual-fuel gas cooktop and electric range allows all-electric baking and broiling in the oven while satisfying cooks who like the qualities of the gas burner.
“Electric ovens generally offer more consistent cooking performance than gas ovens,” said Goldston. “High-end residential appliances are starting to take this approach. They have a gas cooktop, but an electric oven, because it’s more precise.”
Airxcel also has a warming drawer on the drawing board for 2022. “We had a full, high-pedestal range with a warming drawer compartment,” he explained. “So, we’re expanding upon that concept but making it a fully featured baking drawer.”
The new warming drawer is able to go up to baking temperatures and will be available as a standalone item. The drawer replaces an oven in smaller RVs, offering the same performance in a small footprint. “Put it wherever a small oven would fit. All you need is just a 15 amp 120-volt circuit, and it’s good to go,” Goldston said.
Contoure has added new sizes and three new finishes to its existing line of RapidCold refrigerators. New offerings include a 7.5-, 10.5-, 12.5-, 18-, 21- and 26-cubic-foot models with 120-volt AC power options available.
In addition, in January 2022, it introduced a new space-saving 12-volt DC SMART Powered Solutions RV refrigerator in black onyx, premium stainless-steel and black stainless-steel with new glass doors. Like its 120-volt counterparts, these units are designed with enhanced air flow technology, ensuring the even distribution of cold air throughout all parts of the unit in high-temperature environments or when exposed to direct sunlight. All 12-volt DC models are compatible with Contoure solar- and battery-powered systems.
With the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy’s announcement that they will no longer include gas appliances on its 2022 Energy Star “Most Efficient” list, Contoure has positioned itself with solutions.
The Signature Series all-in-one convection oven and grill is an affordable, environmentally friendly and efficient answer to the new rules, company officials said. By switching to the Signature Series line of convection ovens energy reductions can reach 20% each month. In addition, it cooks food quicker, more evenly and at lower temperatures compared to standard ovens.
“Our background in building and construction helps us understand the demands and expectations of the consumer and allows us to offer some of the most innovative, efficient and affordable products in the market,” said Product Manager Susan James.
Built for kitchens with limited space, they offer three 24-inch-wide options in black stainless steel, deluxe stainless steel, and black onyx.
She said that GE is excited to be leveraging its engineering and design teams to develop appliances specific to the RV industry.
“We hold our RV appliances to the same standards as our residential appliances in terms of performance and quality testing. Every product that goes into an RV has the opportunity to make or break the consumer’s experience,” she added.
Solomon said that GE is excited to introduce its well-known GE Profile brand to the RV industry with the release of 17- and 21-cubic-foot refrigerators. A new drop-in, freestanding range in the 24-inch class is also coming in special RV models for 2022. She concluded that all these products go through extensive RV quality and performance testing.
“Lippert is quite fortunate that Furrion really was forward-looking when the company developed its refrigeration platform,” stated Mock. “Our platform is already working on 12-volt and is extremely efficient.
“Furrion has always been exceptional with creative and attractive design while utilizing space in a conscious manor,” he continued. “It continues to be at the forefront of our mind on how we look at future products and the industry as a whole. We’re going to push the envelope in innovation to create efficient, innovative products while not departing from the exceptional Furrion look.”
For 2022, the company is highlighting its glass-front 12-volt DC refrigerators and its glass-front ranges.
Furrion’s 2-in-1 gas ranges combine a high-heat output oven and three-burner stove to provide flexible and faster cooking options, he added. Compact designs, safety features, high heat outputs, and much more make Furrion 2-in-1 range ovens an ideal choice for those looking for a flexible and innovative cooking solution for any RV.
Dometic’s Clark previewed the trends in its RV appliance world. “Microwaves are all going to dual-convection functions,” he said. “That seems to be an easy transition. We are seeing some true standalone product in the ranges in the larger fifth-wheels. It’s not quite the size of a residential unit, but still has all the features and benefits. Colors are similar in trends. We have a lot of stainless-steel and we’re starting to see some black migrate back in as well as some black stainless, which is a parallel trend in residential.”
“We’re also seeing some air fryers,” added Dometic’s Tom Montague. “Air fryers are migrating from home to RV. Cooking from inside to outside the RV with the products that can have a dual purpose is also a trend.”
Clark addressed Dometic’s new products for 2022. “2022 brings new 12-volt refrigeration offerings,” he said. “We’ve listened to our customers and have given them a product that meets their needs with an expansion in cubic size. We offer an 8- and a 10-cubic-foot size, but then also we offer a stainless-steel, residential-looking door. Obviously, for the decision makers, when it comes to RV buying, things are no different than at home.”
Since every kitchen needs hot water, Dometic sought to offer an upgraded water heater for that need, as well.
“We now offer an aluminum tank that comes in a 6-gallon as well as a 10-gallon offering with the features and benefits of a residential water heater,” Clark said, referring to an anode rod and with an aluminum tank that results in less weight and low maintenance. An exterior door also has improved aesthetics. He said the new heater also gets hotter water faster.
It’s also of note that Dometic purchased Go Power! as well as Zamp to enhance its solar power technology and better match its appliances to the growing demand for renewable power.
“Thetford/Norcold has been a standard in the RV industry,” he explained. “You have to plan for a lot of the noise, vibration and harshness that come from the road. This is a refrigerator that you don’t have in a stationary home. It has to handle the coach moving, so you have to have mounting systems so it stays in the enclosure. Ventilation also has to be taken into account: How you get the heat away from the compressors so that your unit is efficient is always a concern.”
The new N15 DC and its big brother the N20 DC are the new Polar Elite class refrigerators for 2022 that will be released sometime around May. “So we have a 15-cubic-foot and a 19-cubic-foot 12-volt DC compressor in both,” he informed.
Both units, Klein said, will feature a bottom drawer freezer, French doors and fresh food compartments with the looks and comfort of a home refrigerator. Their glass shelving, forced air and independent departmental control allows setting of freezer and main compartment independently. Fully adjustable shelves and door bins are also home-sized and integrated flush-mounted handles have backlighting for an elegant look. Special locks assure closure in transit. Plus, the flexibility of this refrigerator means that it can substitute or upgrade into the same footprint as Norcold’s gas absorption models.
“So, once you take it out of the box and put it in the coach within five minutes you have it mounted and up and running.”
In addition, the company is introducing its N2000 series, including the N290 — which is a small single-door refrigerator — and the N2090, which is a narrow refrigerator. “It’s not as wide as a typical refrigerator, but has the freezer on the top and the fresh food at the bottom in a single door,” he said. “And then for the first time we have a single door, fresh food on top and bottom door freezer which we call our 2175.”
“We developed the 12-volt fridge market almost five years ago — and nearly a million units later, we continue to innovate technologies and provide larger residential styles and sizes,” said WAY CEO Wayne Kaylor.
The company’s motto of “Take Your Home on the Road” defines its product lines of refrigerators and alternative cooking options like griddles, pizza ovens and air fryers.
“Our goal is to meet the higher expectations of new and experienced RV users while at the same time continuing to stay ahead of our competition — and always leading on design, styling and function,” said Kaylor.
The new Everchill Premier Series for 2022 from WAY has a distinctive glass front look to fit any RV interior.
The 15.5-cubic-foot capacity model is a French double door on top with a freezer door on the bottom. The 11-cubic-foot model (10.7 actual cubic feet) is a conventional freezer door on top with food and beverage in a larger lower door.
The new Premier Series is targeted to the remote camping boondocking customer and keeps cool well beyond 24 hours when paired with a single battery and no external charging. When combined with generator or solar solutions WAY touts its12-volt DC refrigerators can run indefinitely. The Premier Series features WAY’s high usable capacity to hold more food, beverages and ice than the competition, especially compared to gas systems. Unique performance features include a new Smart Control Panel on the 15.5-cubic-foot model.